The ratings for TNA’s iMPACT! Wrestling debut on the POP TV network are in and the numbers are not all that bad for their debut on a new night and new network. The show drew 255,000 viewers and a 0.08 rating in the 18 – 49 demographic. The numbers for the LIVE debut are much higher than the “Best of” shows that have been airing the past several weeks. As you’d expect, the numbers are up 88% and 300% from the 136,000 viewers and 0.02 for last week’s “Best of” show.
The good news for TNA is that the numbers were nearly even with the end of the show’s run on Destination America which means they’ve retained their loyal fanbase and are obviously hoping to build on those numbers once fans become accustomed to the new night and network.
Also, the last time iMPACT! Wrestling was in a primetime slot was December 9th, when the show did 267,000 viewers. The time the demo rating was this high was the October 7th episode with a 0.09. It’s a good start, but it’s important to note that many shows lose viewers after their premiere. iMPACT! Wrestling bucked that trend when it premiered on Destination America (it didn’t take a significant viewer hit until it went to Wednesdays); we’ll have to see how it can do in successive weeks on POP TV.
iMPACT! Wrestling ranked at #129 out of cable originals for the night.
As noted earlier here on eWrestlingNews.com, POP TV is currently streaming Tuesday night’s iMPACT! Wrestling debut on the network for those who may have missed the show. You can watch it by clicking here.
